The outrage and divisiveness often seen on social media have made it a daunting environment for many, filled with unpredictable peaks and vitriolic reactions. Yet, a 95-year-old lady from Cheshire, along with her collection of plush toys, has emerged as an unexpected figure who inspires kindness in the comments.
Brenda Allen expressed her astonishment at the positive response to her recent TikTok video. Encouraged by the nursing home staff, she began by introducing viewers to an avocado wearing a hat affectionately named Florence. Her ensemble also includes an adorable potted plant and a cheerful chocolate.
Her innovative video showcased her comedic flair, concluding with her witty remark that Teddy Mushroom is a “very fun guy.”
So far, her video has garnered over 2 million views, attracting thousands of comments from around the globe, where many refer to her as a social media grandma and even suggest she deserves the title of national treasure.
95 year old woman shows her jellycat collection – video
Subsequently, her video caught the attention of Jerry Katt and John Lewis, and it was shared by Love Island contestants. The only negative feedback came from her feisty pet, Toto.
“The avocado was my sole companion for a long time, but gradually, others started gifting me more,” Brenda shared. “It has been quite remarkable.”
“One of the staff suggested I make a video. I had no idea what it was for. She wanted me to create a little video about the Jellycat, so I agreed. It went wild from there. I received such lovely messages.”
One of the caregivers at Her Majestare Care Home posted the initial video, kicking off the recent “You better be kind in the comments” trend, as users sought more positive content on their feeds.
It originated in the US, led by creator @Hope Yardis, who posted a video featuring her boyfriend discussing pot plants. She humorously urged viewers to “say nice things” about him in a mock-ominous manner. This inspired others to share videos about the quirky hobbies of their loved ones. One showcased a collection of tractor manuals.
Even celebrities, including Ant and Dec, joined in, sharing a video showcasing Ali’s artwork. A Kind Commenting challenge followed.
Brenda’s daughter Julie remarked that the family was “overwhelmed” by her newfound fame. “We can’t quite grasp it, but it’s wonderful and heartwarming,” she expressed. “What truly amazed me was how kind everyone was. I don’t think I saw a single negative comment.”
At the local garden centre, residents from the care home have already been asked if they know Brenda, as her name has become widely recognized. She is currently planning to auction off her Jellycat toys and donate the proceeds to her local children’s hospice.
However, Brenda is fully aware that this is merely a fleeting moment of internet fame. “I don’t want it to last too long,” she remarked. “After all, I’m 95 years old.”
Tim Winton's new movie 'Juice' has been compared to post-apocalyptic 'Station Eleven' and 'The Road'
Buena Vista Images/Getty Images
We science fiction fans will have to work hard to survive all the riches this month has to offer. At least four books published in October are must-reads for me. These include the new Stephen Baxter, Tim Winton's epic tale of a future ravaged by climate change, Alan Moore's time travel, and the story of J. Lincoln Fenn. A mysterious and creepy plant on a remote island. I've also included some new spooky sci-fi novels that might be interesting. After all, it's already October. Speaking of which, it's time to start our annual reread of the Shirley Jackson family…
Our science fiction columnist, Emily Wilson, tells me that her judgment is impeccable (her review will be published later this month). And I think that's true. The film is set in a future ravaged by climate change, and follows a man and a child traveling through a stony desert until they discover an abandoned mine and decide to evacuate. Comparisons are made by publishers. station eleven and road.
This is a love story. When Love was two years old, her mother cut off her hand so she wouldn't have to work in the Mercury mines. As an adult, he lives in the Mask, a gigantic structure that hides the solar system from aliens to keep it safe. But then a spaceship arrives that has been traveling for 100 years from a forgotten colony planet…I have a lot of old stuff Stephen Baxter's novel My bookshelf is full, but it seems like this latest work from Britain's top science fiction author has to have a place there.
Remember when pride and prejudice and zombies ' came out, and we liberal arts students were wondering, 'What's next?' But it was actually quite interesting, wasn't it? Now, it's time for Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy's space adventures. In this version of Jane Austen's classic story, Elizabeth lives with her sisters and parents on a small moon in the “Londinium moon system,” but their Life is greatly shaken up.
First the Bennett sisters were facing off against zombies… now they're in space
Jay Maidment/Lionsgate/Cross Creek/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock
Julia, a journalist, is offered a large sum of money to collect samples of strange flowers on a remote island in the Pacific Ocean. That is the island where her sister, Irene, a botanical researcher, died in 1939. Julia will also delve into the island's secrets and rumors. It is said that a ghost appears from the burial ground on a moonless night. Fen's publisher compares this to the last of uswhich makes me wonder if this flower has some disturbing properties…
The novel, which podcast editor Rowan Hooper teased as “fascinating”, is the latest in a series of new novels from top literary author Knausgaard, and is set in a town in southern Norway where a bright new star has risen. Apparently, it turns out that since the appearance of this star, people no longer die. “These books deal with the meaning and reality of life in the modern world,” Rowan says in her writing.
alan moore
Kazam Media/REX/Shutterstock
In 1949, 18-year-old second-hand bookseller Dennis stumbles upon a fictional novel, an imagination from another book, which is in his hands. It turns out that Dennis has found a book known as the Great When, a version of London that transcends time and space, but this magical London must remain a secret, and Dennis has to take the book to its place where it's supposed to be. must be returned to. A time travel epic from the great Moore? Yes, please.
I've been thinking a lot about Jeff VanderMeer. extinctionand the eerie strangeness of Area X, a zone on the U.S. coastline where anyone who enters disappears since its publication ten years ago. Now we are gifted with the surprising fourth volume of the Southern Reach series. The first part begins decades before the formation of Area X, and jumps to follow the first expedition after the borders have been drawn down around the danger zone. VanderMeer can't wait to learn more about a world he thought was gone.
pictureEarlier this week, the Culture Division asked me to recommend four games for their annual Autumn Arts Preview. Readers: I’ve been struggling. The period from September to November is typically jam-packed with AAA releases as publishers compete for space in the historically lucrative pre-Christmas period. Even in the era of “live service” games like Fortnite, Destiny, and Genshin Impact (which ignore external sales patterns in favor of their own constantly-updated season passes), autumn is guaranteed to see a plethora of big-budget game releases.
But this year… not so much. September was mainly focused on The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom (below). October brought the Silent Hill 2 reboot, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and Sonic X: Shadow Generations. For winter fun, the really busy blockbuster lineup will have to wait until November, including Slitterhead, Football Manager 2025, Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, and Stalker 2: Heart of Chernobyl. The highly anticipated role-playing game Avowed has been delayed until 2025, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is not holding out hope, with no release date announced beyond “2024.”
Why? There are a few possible explanations. 2023 was a very busy year, overcrowded with big releases like Baldur’s Gate 3, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Alan Wake 2, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Starfield, and Diablo IV. Meanwhile, 2025 is already shaping up to be a very busy year, with GTA 6, Death Stranding 2, Monster Hunter Wilds, and Civilization 7 coming on strong. And the COVID-19-induced surge in development activity has now subsided, as we see a disgraceful number of layoffs and studio closures across the industry. Perhaps a sluggish year was expected.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. Photo: Nintendo
The good news is that fewer big, attention-grabbing titles give smaller games a chance to find an audience. September has some really interesting original and indie titles, including the bizarre adventures Phoenix Springs (pictured above) and Demonschool, the charming retro collection UFO 50, and the Atari-era nostalgia Yars Rising. My son Zac wants to play October’s Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero, and I’m an old fan of comics, anime, and the 1990s Konami arcade games, so I’ll enjoy TMNT: Mutants Unleashed. Life is Strange: Double Exposure should also benefit from the extra space given to its time-shifting murder mystery.
It may be comforting to have dozens of huge, multi-year video game series churn out in the space of a 12-week period. Like summer blockbusters, they inscribe the fabric of our years, informing us of where we were and what we were doing at key moments in our lives. In a world where old certainties are crumbling, entertainment rituals provide stability and shared expectations. We may no longer see people queuing around the block to see the latest Star Wars movie or lining up outside gaming and electronics boutiques at midnight to buy Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, but the spectacle of consumer frenzy has always had real meaning.
Still, a quiet year gives us other options. It gives us time and space to break from habitual purchases. 2014 is often touted as a “bad” year for games because there were no big releases. But it was also the year of Alien Isolation, Titanfall, and Shovel Knight. It was also the year I poured hundreds of hours into Shadow of Mordor, despite not being a Lord of the Rings fan. It was also the year of OlliOlli and The Evil Within, and The Vanishing of Ethan Carter. Games I might never have had a chance to play properly if I hadn’t had the means. I’m really glad I did.
Anyway, we were able to choose four games for our Fall Art Preview, but many more emerged when we thought more broadly. So this Fall, try something new, something original, something to share and recommend. These games will get you through the Fall and Winter, and by the end, you’ll have a story of your own to tell.
What to Play
Nintendo Switch Sports. Photo: Nintendo
With no dedicated Olympic games this year, it’s worth giving it another try. nintendo switch sports It’s a lot of fun, especially with the addition of basketball in the new update. Play alone or against friends (both online and locally). Shake the Joy-Con to dribble and flick your wrist to shoot. There are even mini-games to test your dunking prowess. The collection also includes five other Olympic sports, so you can easily organize your own slightly chaotic sports tournaments.
Available on: Nintendo Switch Estimated play time: all you want
What to Read
Among Us: An unexpected lockdown hit. Photo: InnerSloth
New rumors are emerging new half life game A reference to Valve’s development codename “Project White Sands” Found in an online portfolio The site has since removed the reference to video game actor Natasha Chandel, but the rumors continue.
I love very specific things Video game deep dive and Polygon is a great source of information. The latest article on this site is List of banned and unaired episodes of the Pokémon anime complete with explanations. It’s a wild ride.
How will Nintendo follow up on the Switch’s success? Photo: Chesnot/Getty Images
This week’s question was submitted by user X Dan Chambers he asked.
“Will the Switch 2, or whatever it’s called, ultimately find a product that can rival the Switch, or is it destined to be a comparable failure? And what are the key building blocks for success?”
Regarding Nintendo’s next game console, it will be released by the end of March 2025. Rumored specs It’s got an 8-core Cortex-A78AE processor, 8GB of RAM, and 64GB of internal storage, which is fine but not all that exciting, and no one buys a Nintendo console for its techy appeal.
Aside from the SNES, the company has always done best when it has made major updates to the form factor of its machines, like from SNES to N64, or GameCube to Wii, while struggling (comparatively) with more tech-driven updates, like the GameCube (beloved by some, but disappointing sales) and Wii U. The Switch 2 seems to fall into the latter category at the moment, with no fresh ideas being heard in terms of interface or interaction.
What’s needed is a highly visual, easily understood, game-changing concept. Something that can easily be shown with a few seconds of footage from a new Super Mario game. Perhaps there’s a new feature for the built-in screen, or a never-before-seen local multiplayer concept. The design philosophy of Nintendo’s great tech wizard, the late Gunpei Yokoi, still holds true: think horizontally with dead technology. A big OLED screen just won’t do.
If you have any questions for the Question Block or any other comments about the newsletter, Please email us at pushingbuttons@theguardian.com.
IThere's been a lot of speculation regarding the outlook for the games industry in 2024. Following a surge of investment during the pandemic, the industry experienced a temporary boost in growth as people sought entertainment and social interaction while adhering to safety measures at home. However, this year has seen a correction, with studios and companies that expanded too rapidly now scaling back, leading to layoffs and studio closures. Job opportunities for developers have decreased, and games that faced delays due to the pandemic are taking longer to release, resulting in fewer titles compared to the previous year.
The Summer Game Fest, which has taken the place of E3 in Los Angeles, reflects this industry slowdown. What was once a grand trade show is now a more modest event held in smaller venues away from the main convention center. The shift from elaborate press conferences to online livestreams signifies a change in the industry landscape. However, amidst this decline, there is a bright spot in the success of indie games.
Indie games like Palworld, Helldivers 2, and Hades II have emerged as top sellers on platforms like Steam, showcasing the creativity and innovation present in the indie gaming scene. In contrast, big-budget blockbusters from major publishers are facing challenges, with titles like Redfall and Suicide Squad receiving mixed reactions. The industry’s focus on franchised games and live service models is leading to a lack of fresh ideas and risks being taken.
UFO 50, a collection of 50 games. Photo: Mossmouth
However, the indie gaming scene is thriving, with a multitude of creative and unique games being showcased at events like the Summer Game Fest. Titles like UFO 50, Tales of the Shire, and Fear the Spotlight offer players fresh experiences and showcase the diversity of the indie game market. As the industry shifts towards more indie success stories, there is hope for a resurgence of innovative and original content.
While the gaming industry’s major players continue to rely on established franchises and blockbuster titles, it is the indie developers who are driving forward with new ideas and creative approaches. With initiatives like Outersloth supporting indie developers and new entrants like Blumhouse entering the gaming space, there is a sense of revitalization and excitement surrounding indie games.
As the industry evolves, it is clear that the future of gaming lies beyond the traditional giants. With a global community of players and creators, the possibilities for innovation and growth are endless. While the big names may dominate headlines, it is the indie scene that is truly pushing boundaries and shaping the future of gaming.
What to Play
Star Wars: Hunters. Photo: LucasFilm Games/Zynga
For a fresh gaming experience, try out Star Wars: Hunters on platforms like the Nintendo Switch and smartphones. This team-based arena shooter offers diverse characters from the Star Wars universe and engaging gameplay mechanics. With a focus on intuitive controls and immersive visuals, this game is a must-try for Star Wars fans and gamers alike.
Available on: Nintendo Switch, iPhone, Android Estimated play time: 20+ hours
What to Read
No guns in sight… Catto's Post Office is one of the cosy titles featured on Wholesome Direct. Photo: Inn Shambles Studios
What to click on
Question Block
Elden Ring…can't swim. Photo: Bandai Namco
This week's Question Block explores the dilemma of how video games handle water-related challenges and the consequences of immersion versus gameplay mechanics. The debate over drowning animations and failure states in games highlights the complexities of creating authentic yet engaging gaming experiences.
Whether a game opts for realism or streamlined gameplay, the approach to water mechanics can shape the player’s experience and immersion in the virtual world. As the industry evolves, designers face the challenge of balancing authenticity with player engagement to deliver memorable and enjoyable gaming experiences.
For more insights into game design and industry trends, stay tuned to Question Block and other engaging content related to the evolving world of video games.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Researchers have identified a quasar with a black hole at its center that may be the most luminous object in the universe. This quasar is growing at an incredible rate, capable of consuming an amount equivalent to the sun in a single day.
The record-breaking quasar shines 500 trillion times brighter than the sun. Scientists reported in the journal Nature Astronomy that the black hole fueling this quasar is more than 17 billion times more massive than the sun.
Despite appearing as mere dots in images, scientists believe quasars to be formidable entities.
The disk of luminous gas and other material orbiting a quasar’s black hole is akin to a cosmic hurricane.
“This quasar is the most violent place in the universe as we know it,” said lead author Christian Wolff of the Australian National University.
The object, known as J0529-4351, was initially discovered by the European Southern Observatory in 1980 and misclassified as a star. It was not confirmed to be a quasar until last year, after telescope observations in Australia and the Atacama Desert in Chile.
“What’s interesting about this quasar is that it’s hiding in plain sight and was previously misclassified as a star,” said Priyamvada Natarajan of Yale University.
Further analysis revealed that the quasar consumes the equivalent of 370 suns a year, or one sun a day, and the black hole at its center has a mass between 17 billion and 19 billion times that of the sun. More observations are needed to understand its growth rate.
Quasars are located 12 billion light years away and have existed since the beginning of the universe. One light year is 5.8 trillion miles.
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